Sierra Nevada lands $1.8Bn FMS for A-29 Super Tucano supply to Afghanistan.

Sierra Nevada Corp. has been awarded a ceiling US$1,8 billion IDIQ contract for potential procurement, sustainment, modifications, ferry, and related equipment for the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft, the US Department of Defense announced yesterday.

An Afghan Air Force A-29 taxis March 22, 2018, Kandahar Air Field, Afghanistan. The Pilots of the A-29 have proven their capability employing laser guided munitions during training scenarios and began using the GBU-58 in combat March 22, 2018
(Credit: U.S. Forces-Afghanistan)

"Work will be performed at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia; and Kabul, Kandahar, and Mazari Sharif Air Bases, Afghanistan. Work is expected to be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.  This contract involves foreign military sales to Afghanistan," the service said.  

This award is the result of a sole-source acquisition and is funded by appropriated Afghanistan Security Forces funds, the Pentagon added.

Designed to operate in high temperatures and in extremely rugged terrain, the A-29 is a highly maneuverable fourth-generation weapons system capable of delivering precision guided munitions. The aircraft is being used by the Afghan Air Force (AAF) for close-air attack, air interdiction, escort and armed reconnaissance.

Twenty A-29 light attack aircraft were purchased for the Afghan Air Force in 2013, following a competition won over the AT-6B Texan II. The first four aircraft arrived in Afghanistan in January 2016. By May 2018, the AAF had 14 A-29s in service.